19/01/2009

Wycombe Town are into the last 8 of the Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup after beating Bedfordshire based Club Lewsey in their fourth round tie on Sunday. Last years semi finalists arrived at Wilks Park confident as they were looking to emulate last years achievements but were undone in every single department of the game as the Sunday Combination League champions put them to the sword.

In bright conditions the game started off scrappily which was probably to be expected as neither side had played for a month but as the first half wore on Town began to settle and they took the lead at the midway point. The tireless Lee Thompson, playing in a lone role up front latched onto a Jonny Mason through ball, held the ball up as he waited for support which came from Aaron Couch who cut inside and smashed a left foot shot into the roof of the net before the keeper had a chance to react. Lewsey then began to get a foothold in the game, the big powerful side started to win their share of the physical challenges, Town were guilty of giving away too many free kicks and only a smart save from the hero of the previous round Anthony Cooper prevented Lewsey from equalising just before the break. With half time approaching and Town being pushed back acting manager Leigh Mason was looking to get his side in at half time one up so it must have been a huge bodyblow to the visitors when with just seconds to go Thompson broke through again and squared for the onrushing Mitchel Woodward to slide home to put Town two up at the interval.

Town started the second half brightly, Thompson's acrobatic volley flew just wide and a Couch drive grazed the post, Lewsey were looking a bit flat and weren't really offering anything but were thrown a lifeline when the hero from just before half time Cooper quickly turned villain, he misjudged his position on the edge of the box and in a moment of indecision over whether to pick the ball up or clear he allowed the through ball to between his legs and despite a desperate lunge was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line. This lifted Lewsey and left Town a little shaken but Lewsey were unable to seize on the opportunity given to them and did not mount any serious attacks and there was relief for Cooper when substitute Adam Davis' shot into the far corner via the aid of a slight deflection to put them 3-1 ahead, the tie was then made safe when man of the match Ed Shemell sent Billy Mason clear, his effort was saved but the rebound fell kindly to the feet of Mitchel Woodward who kept calm to tuck the ball away to prompt wild celebrations for the side and their supporters. Town now face Plymouth based Lakeside Athleticfor a place in the semi final, the tie to be played at Wilks Park on February 22nd.